Slip and Fall Accidents
Personal injury attorneys know that slip and fall accidents are among the most common types of personal injuries that can happen to people. In the United States, falls account for over eight million hospital emergency room visits, making them the leading cause of all ER visits. Of these falls, slip and fall accidents make up over 1 million visits, or 12% of the total falls. It's important to seek the help of a personal injury attorney if you've been injured in a slip and fall accident to help you pursue compensation for your injuries and related expenses.
In Florida, falls are the leading cause of injury death among residents ages 65 years and older, and the fourth leading cause of injury death overall, according to the Florida Department of Health. Falls are also the leading cause of non-fatal, injury-related hospital admissions in Florida, with the highest numbers occurring in both Miami-Dade and Broward County. These falls can happen anywhere, whether it's at the Publix Grocery Store in downtown Fort Lauderdale, or the American Airlines Arena in Miami. Slip and fall accidents in the home, workplace, restaurants, grocery stores, or public streets are some of the most common places where we encounter these injuries.
Personal injury attorneys know that when people think of slip and falls, the first image that comes to mind is often the one of the "wet floor" sign, which has become a synonymous symbol for slip and fall accidents. This is because most of these injuries occur due to negligence, such as failing to place a wet floor sign in the proper time. However, there are several other causes that result in slip and falls, such as failing to maintain a walkway, failing to provide a legal/appropriate railing, cracked tiles creating uneven surfaces, negligently installing flooring that has a high propensity to cause people to slip, and cracked and/or uneven sidewalks that are not regularly maintained.
After any type of fall, it's important to check that everyone is alright and safe. Always contact the police and/or law enforcement, as they are there to help and will help bring your case to a clear resolution later. If your fall occurs in a business or public venue, make an incident report and ask for a copy for your records. Personal injury attorneys can help you navigate the legal process to recover compensation for your injuries and damages resulting from the fall.
What Happens When Someone Typically Falls?
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They hit their heads on a hard surface, which can lead to severe head injuries such as concussions, memory issues, blackouts, and even traumatic brain injuries. If you or a loved one experiences such an injury, it is important to seek medical attention and contact a personal injury attorney immediately. An experienced attorney can help you navigate the legal process and obtain the compensation you deserve.
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They try to catch themselves and worsen their injuries. When someone falls, their instinct is to catch themselves, but this can often lead to further damage. A sudden fall creates a strong pressure that can cause injuries to the arm and shoulder. Therefore, it is important to be aware of your surroundings and try to fall in a way that minimizes the risk of additional injury.
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They fall backward and land on their back, potentially causing spinal cord injuries, bulging or herniated discs, and in severe cases, permanent paralysis. Back pain may take days or even weeks to develop, and it is crucial to speak with a personal injury attorney and physician after any slip and fall.
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They fall and hit their elbow or knee, which can result in blunt force trauma, fractures, and tissue damage. It is crucial to seek medical care and never neglect your health after a fall, as the damage may not present itself immediately. Additionally, contacting a personal injury attorney can help you obtain the compensation you deserve for your injuries.
If you or a loved one experiences a slip and fall injury, do not hesitate to contact a personal injury attorney for a free case evaluation. At Demesmin and Dover, we have the experience and knowledge to help you navigate the legal process and obtain the compensation you deserve. Remember, we care more about our clients' well-being.